How to Work at Home with Kids
Working from home with kids can be challenging, but with the right strategies, you can create a balanced and productive environment. Here are some practical tips, resources, and examples to help you manage your work and family life effectively.
1. Google Calendar
Create a Calendar for Work Using Google Calendar, set up a dedicated calendar for your work schedule. Block out time for meetings, focus work, and breaks. Color-code your events to easily distinguish between different types of activities. For example, use blue for meetings, green for work tasks, and yellow for breaks.
Example:
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Team Meeting (Blue)
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM: Focus Work (Green)
11:00 AM - 11:15 AM: Break (Yellow)
Create a Calendar for Family/Household Similarly, create a separate calendar for family and household activities. Include important events, kids' activities, and family time. Sync this calendar with your work calendar to avoid scheduling conflicts. Share the family calendar with your partner and older kids to keep everyone informed.
Example:
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Kids' Soccer Practice (Red)
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Family Dinner (Purple)
2. Task Management System
Use a Task Management System Implementing a task management system like Asana, Monday, or Trello can streamline your workflow. These tools allow you to create tasks, set deadlines, and track progress. Use boards for different projects and lists for individual tasks. Assign tasks to family members or colleagues to ensure everyone knows their responsibilities.
Example:
Asana:
Project: Home Management
Task: Grocery Shopping (Assign to: Spouse)
Task: Kids' Doctor Appointment (Assign to: Self)
Project: Work Projects
Task: Client Report (Due: Friday)
Task: Team Presentation (Due: Monday)
Resources:
3. Gmail Folder System
Create an Email Folder System Organize your emails with a folder system in Gmail. Create folders for different categories such as Work, Family, Bills, and School. Use filters to automatically sort incoming emails into the appropriate folders. Set aside time each day to review and respond to emails.
Example:
Folders:
Work
Family
Bills
School
Newsletters
Resources:
How to Use Gmail Filters
Gmail Tips and Tricks
4. Use Your Alarm Clock
Set an Alarm for Meetings Set an alarm on your phone or computer for 5 minutes before meetings or other appointments. This simple reminder will keep you on track and ensure you’re always on time. Use apps like Google Calendar or built-in alarm features on your devices.
Example:
Meeting Reminder:
10:55 AM: "Team Meeting in 5 minutes"
Resources:
Google Calendar Notifications
5. Managing Expectations
Please Read the Sign Create a sign for your office door to indicate focus work time or meetings. Let your kids know that when the sign is up, they should not interrupt you unless it's an emergency. Customize the sign with fun graphics or colors to make it more engaging for your kids.
Example:
Sign:
"Focus Time - Do Not Disturb"
"In a Meeting - Please Knock if Urgent"
White Board Communication Hang a whiteboard on your door or somewhere nearby. Kids who have something to tell you can write it on the board instead of interrupting you. You can check the board and respond when you’re available. This helps manage interruptions and keeps your work time productive.
Example:
Whiteboard Notes:
"Mom, can I have a snack?"
"Don't forget my permission slip!"
Resources:
6. Checklists and Schedules
Daily Checklists Create a daily checklist for your kids to ensure chores and self-care items are completed before screen time. Use printable checklists or apps like Cozi to keep track of daily tasks and routines.
Example:
Checklist:
Make Bed
Brush Teeth
Complete Homework
Clean Room
30 Minutes of Reading
Resources:
Printable Checklists
7. Delegating When Possible
Ask for Help Don’t hesitate to ask for help from family members. Monthly family meetings can be useful to keep everyone in the loop and accountable for their share of chores and tasks. Use these meetings to discuss schedules, upcoming events, and any adjustments needed.
Example:
Family Meeting Agenda:
Review Monthly Calendar
Assign Chores for the Week
Discuss Any Issues or Concerns
Plan Family Activities
Resources:
Family Meeting Tips
8. Create Simple Household Systems
Online Grocery Shopping Utilize online grocery shopping services like Kroger and Shipt to save time. Place orders online and have them delivered to your door. This reduces the time spent on errands and allows you to focus on work and family.
Example:
Kroger Online Order:
Scheduled for delivery on Friday afternoons
Resources:
Zone Cleaning Implement zone cleaning for household chores. Assign specific areas to different family members and rotate responsibilities to keep the house clean and organized. This method ensures that cleaning tasks are manageable and evenly distributed.
Example:
Zone Cleaning:
Monday: Kitchen
Tuesday: Living Room
Wednesday: Bathrooms
Thursday: Bedrooms
Resources:
Zone Cleaning Guide
Easy Meal Planning Plan meals in advance by rotating favorite and easy family meals. This simplifies meal prep and ensures everyone enjoys their food. Use meal planning apps or templates to organize your weekly menu.
Example:
Weekly Meal Plan:
Monday: Spaghetti and Meatballs
Tuesday: Taco Night
Wednesday: Grilled Chicken and Veggies
Thursday: Pizza Night
Resources:
Meal Planning Apps
Conclusion
Balancing work and family life while working from home can be challenging, but with these strategies and resources, you can create a more organized and stress-free environment. Utilize tools like Google Calendar, task management systems, and Gmail folder systems to stay on top of your tasks. Set clear expectations with your kids using signs and whiteboards, and involve your family in household responsibilities. With these tips, you'll find it easier to manage your work-at-home routine and enjoy more quality time with your family.
